Spy vs. FF: Did a private eye cut overtime costs in Providence, RI? Fire chief says yes, but the union says no.

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Overtime comparison in the region

Providence Fire Department overtime

The graphic above from WPRI-TV shows the Providence Fire Department shed $1 million in overtime costs between 2005 and 2008. Fire Chief George Farrell gives credit to a program that began before he took over the department. It uses private investigators to conduct surveillance on firefighters who report they are sick or injured. Videotape gathered is then used to confront firefighters who are believed to be malingering. Disciplinary action is initiated.

IAFF Local 799 president Paul Doughty makes the case there are other factors that brought down overtime expenditures, including the hiring of new firefighters. Doughty believes the $48,000 spent on the investigators is wasting taxpayer’s money.

WPRI-TV investigated this practice along with how overtime money is used in Providence and the region. Click here to read and watch Part 1 of reporter Tim White’s report and here for Part 2.